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We’re gradually doing more and more footwork on Guillermina these rainy days. She is very willing to participate in whatever is necessary, but she does so many things with exuberance–and this is just one of those instances. The way that she places her foot onto the fence has an energy to it, as does the way she hands you her trunk. She’s just being naturally enthusiastic and not at all pushy. It’s a different experience for the caregivers, considering that the other elephants are older and more passive in their interactions. There can be a certain amount of grace in the way that the rest of the ladies move, but Guille will present her foot in a dramatic fashion. Just another reason to love her. 

Once her foot is in position, she will keep it there for as long as you need. In fact, she takes after Maia in the way that she gets drowsy during foot sessions, so that’s always amusing. In those moments, she will make some slow blinks or struggle to keep her eyes open. Her trunk gets loose and relaxed in your hands. 

When we were doing Guille’s footwork, Bambi also got her treatments. Maia was around too, so while the other two girls were participating in their exams and getting reward treats, she also received a few tasty snacks. The two who were being checked out got higher value fruits and veggies, but the sound of Dr. Mateus emptying Maia’s food bucket immediately got Guille’s attention. You could almost hear her thinking, “Why does Maia get treats when she’s not even doing anything?” Of course, we tell her that she’s getting some special things (which she already knows), but Guille will always take a chance at getting an extra bite of food when she can. 

Photo of Guillermina enjoying her breakfast with a dirty head